COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The UIC baseball team (1-1) scored two runs in the eighth inning to cut #24 Texas A&M’s lead down to one run, but the Aggies held strong in the ninth to defeat the Flames by a final score of 4-3 on Saturday afternoon at Blue Bell Park. Freshman pitcher Jack Andersen tossed seven innings in his collegiate debut, allowing eight hits and four runs, while striking out four A&M batters. Sophomore Tyler Detmer recorded all three of UIC’s RBI as he went 1-for-2 at the plate.

“I thought we played really well today,” said head coach Mike Dee. “It was another day of great pitching and great defense. Texas A&M was able to take advantage of a few pitches you’d like to have back, but we’ll put today behind us and come out and try to win the series tomorrow.”

After four scoreless innings, the Aggies put up three runs in the bottom of the fifth frame. Texas A&M began the inning with a leadoff single and posted three more hits, including a two-RBI single to center field from Krey Bratsen.

UIC scored a run in the top of the sixth as junior John Coen kicked things off with a single through the left side of the infield. Coen was joined on base by redshirt senior Alex De LaRosa who as hit by a pitch and Ryan Shober advanced both runners on a sacrifice bunt. That’s when Detmer sent Coen home on sacrifice fly to center field.

The Aggies added their final score of the day in the top of the seventh inning, extending their lead to 4-1. UIC answered back in the bottom of the eighth with two runs and attempted a comeback. After Coen and Shober reached base on a pair of walks, both runners moved up a base on a wild pitch. Detmer then tacked on his second and third RBI of the game with a poke to centerfield, cutting the score to 4-3. A&M brought in Jason Jester to pitch and was successful in holding off the Flames comeback.

UIC reliever Alex Posey had another good showing as he retired the side in the bottom of the eighth frame with two strikeouts.

Sunday’s third and final contest begins at 1:05 p.m. CT. and will decide the series winner.